Spinal implant with fluid delivery capabilities

ABSTRACT

A spinal implant that allows for fluid injection of material is disclosed. The implant includes a fitting with a passage and holes that are in fluid communication with the passage. The holes extend through upper and lower surfaces and/or into a central cavity of the implant. The implant allows for material to be introduced into the implant after initial implantation thereof. Methods of implanting the implant are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/103,270, filed Jan. 14, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to spinal surgery, namely, the fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies or the replacement of a vertebral body.

Back pain can be caused by many different maladies, not the least of which are problems that directly impact the intervertebral discs of the spine. Typical disc issues include, inter alia, degeneration, bulging, herniation, thinning and abnormal movement. One method of treatment of such disc problems that has been widely utilized in the field of spinal surgery is a spinal fusion procedure, whereby an affected disc is removed, and the adjacent vertebral bodies are fused together through the use of interbody spacers, implants or the like. In some instances, it may also be necessary to remove and replace an entire vertebral body. This is often accomplished through the use of a larger implant that acts to fuse together the vertebral bodies adjacent the removed vertebral body.

The aforementioned implants often rely upon mechanical features to ensure engagement between the devices and the bone of the existing vertebral bodies. This coupled with the normal compressive load of the spine acts to keep the implant in place until bone can grow from the existing vertebral bodies into and through the implant. To encourage the bone growth, the implants are often pre-loaded with bone growth promoting material and thereafter placed into the spine. Bone growth promoting material may include naturally occurring bone, artificial materials or the like.

This pre-loading of bone growth promoting material normally takes place prior to implantation of existing implants, typically on a back table of the operating room. This requires the surgeon or other medical professional to estimate the overall amount of material to be pre-loaded into the implant, which is often not an easy task. Moreover, the pre-loaded material can fall out of the implant during the implantation process. All of this has the tendency to create an inefficient surgical procedure.

Therefore, there exists a need for an improved spinal implant that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application discloses several embodiment spinal implants that allow for in situ application of a material such as cement, a bone growth promoting substance, BMA, biologics, antimicrobials, antibiotics, or the like. The implants in accordance with the present invention provide a more efficient manner of providing such substances to the intervertebral space. Although implants in accordance with the present invention may widely vary from what is specifically disclosed herein, the implants generally include a passage fluidly connected to holes either on one or all of the upper and lower surfaces and interior surface of a cavity formed through the implant. The holes may be sized and/or shaped to allow for uniform flow of material introduced into the implant. While largely disclosed as an implant suitable for fusing adjacent vertebral bodies, implants in accordance with the present invention may be suited for replacement of a vertebral body. Likewise, although largely shown as being suitable for introduction into the body of a patient from a certain aspect, implants according to the present invention may be configured for introduction from any aspect.

A first aspect of the present invention is a spinal implant having an upper surface including a first hole, a lower surface including a second hole a cavity formed through the upper and lower surfaces, the cavity including a third hole and a fitting including a passage in fluid communication with the first, second and third holes.

Other embodiments of the first aspect may vary from the foregoing. For instance, the spinal implant may further include a plurality of first, second and third holes, a manifold in fluid communication with the passage, a first channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the first holes and a second channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the second holes. The first and second channels may be curved, as may the manifold be curved. The first holes, second holes, first channel and second channel may increase in size as they extend further away from the passage. The third holes may be in fluid communication with the manifold and at least one of the first and second channels. The implants may further have a porous structure at the upper and/or lower surfaces. In certain embodiments, the fitting may be a male luer fitting. An insertion tool may be engaged with the fitting. The spinal implants of the first aspect may be designed to be implanted from various aspects of a patient, including from an anterior aspect of a patient. The passage, the manifold, the first channel, the second channel and the first and second holes may be included in a fluid transfer structure. That structure may be formed separately from a remainder of the implant. The implant may further include sidewalls with windows formed therethrough, the windows in fluid communication with the cavity. A fourth hole and a fifth hole may be located within the windows and in fluid communication with the passage

A second aspect of the present invention is another spinal implant having an upper surface including a plurality of first holes, a lower surface including a plurality of second holes, a cavity formed through the upper and lower surfaces and a fitting including a passage in fluid communication with the first and second holes.

Other embodiments according to the second aspect may include a manifold in fluid communication with the passage, a first channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the first holes and a second channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the second holes. A plurality of third holes may be in fluid communication with the cavity.

A third aspect of the present invention is yet another spinal implant having an upper surface, a lower surface, a cavity formed through the upper and lower surfaces, the cavity including a plurality of holes and a fitting including a passage in fluid communication with the holes.

In another embodiment according to the third aspect, the upper surface may include a plurality of second holes and the lower surface may include a plurality of third holes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and of the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an implant according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the implant of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a rear view of the implant of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a top view of the implant of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 1A taken along line 1E-1E of FIG. 1D.

FIG. 1F is a front view of the implant of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 1A take along line 1G-1G of FIG. 1F.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an implant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 2A take along line 2B-2B.

FIG. 2C is a front view of the implant of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 2A take along line 2D-2D of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3A is a top view of an implant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 3A take along line 3B-3B.

FIG. 3C is a front view of the implant of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 3A take along line 3D-3D of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an implant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the implant of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a rear view of the implant of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 4A taken along line 4D-4D of FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an implant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the implant of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 5A taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5D is a side view of the implant of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 5A take along line 5E-5E of FIG. 5D.

FIG. 6A depicts placement of an implant according to the present invention between adjacent vertebrae of the spine.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the placement depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the placement shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of an implant according to the present invention engaged with an insertion tool.

FIG. 6E depicts removal of an insertion tool subsequent to placement of an implant according to the present invention between adjacent vertebrae.

FIG. 6F illustrates an implanted implant according to the present invention subsequent to injection of a fluid or material therein.

FIG. 6G is an x-ray view of the implant of FIG. 6F.

FIG. 7A illustrates a 3D printed implant according to another embodiment of the present invention with an insertion instrument attached thereto.

FIG. 7B illustrates a 3D printed implant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another implant embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8B-8C depict yet another implant embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8D depicts yet another implant embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9B depict yet another implant embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10B depict yet another implant embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A-11B depict yet another implant embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A-12C depict yet another implant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an implant according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An implant 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1A-1G. Implant 10 is shown as an implant suitable for implantation from an anterior aspect of a patient. However, as will be readily apparent from the below discussion pertaining to other embodiments, the present invention is not limited to any particular type of implant design. Rather, it is contemplated that certain features of the present invention can be implemented in different types of implants. For instance, implants according to the present invention can be adapted for implantation from posterior, lateral, posterior-lateral aspects or the like of the patient. Moreover, implants according to the present invention may be constructed of different types of materials that are both biocompatible and suitable to withstand the natural forces of the human spine. For instance, it is contemplated that implants according to the present invention may be constructed of metallic materials such as titanium, polymeric materials such as PEEK or the like.

Implant 10 is shown including upper and lower surfaces 12 and 14, respectively. Each surface includes a plurality of holes 16 formed therethrough, although the overall number of holes and their shape may vary depending upon the particular implant and its overall size. Implant 10 also includes a central cavity 18 formed through a central portion of the implant and through each of surfaces 12 and 14. Cavity 18 can be sized and shaped differently from what is shown and can be located in other locations of implant 10. The interior of cavity 18 also includes a plurality of holes 20, which like holes 16 may vary in overall number and shape. It is also contemplated to include more than one cavity through the upper and lower surfaces of the implant.

Implant 10 also includes a luer fitting 22 formed in a front portion thereof. In other embodiments, a different type of fitting may be utilized (e.g., threaded, snap-fit, etc. . . . ). Fitting 22 is designed to be engaged by a similarly designed insertion tool (discussed below) and includes a passage 24. As shown in FIG. 1E, passage 24 leads to a manifold 26 fluidly connected with holes 16 and 20. In particular, as is shown in FIGS. 1E and 1G, manifold 26 is connected to holes 16 and 20 through a series of internal passages (a single flow channel 28 is shown in FIG. 1G, while two channels 28 and 29 are shown in FIG. 1E), so that material introduced through passage 24 can ultimately pass through holes 16 and 20. It is to be understood that manifold 26 actually connects with the two flow channels 28, 29, such that channel 28 is in fluid communication with holes 16 on upper surface 12 and channel 29 is in fluid communication with holes 16 on lower surface 14. The channels are also in fluid communication with holes 20 on the interior of cavity 18. This allows for bone growth promoting material, cement or the like to be introduced after implantation of implant 10, which in turn allows for both an easier implantation procedure and better application of the material to the surgical site.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict a second embodiment implant 110. Because of the similarities of implant 110 to above-discussed implant 10, like reference numerals will be utilized to describe like elements, albeit within the 100-series of numbers. For instance, implant 110 includes an upper surface 112, a lower surface 114, a cavity 118, openings 120, a fitting 122 and a passage 124. The major difference between implants 10 and 110 is that the latter does not include any holes through its upper and lower surfaces 112, 114. Thus, any material introduced through passage 124 only extends into cavity 118. This type of design results in an implanted implant more akin to traditional spinal implants, i.e., one in which grafting material or the like is only included in a central cavity or the like. Like implant 10, implant 110 includes a manifold 126 and flow channels 128, 129. Also like implant 10, implant 110 is designed to be implanted from an anterior aspect of a patient. Of course, implant 110, like all embodiment implants disclosed in the present application, could be configured for implantation from other aspects, as well as could exhibit different overall shapes and/or sizes and in its individual features.

FIGS. 3A-3D depict yet another embodiment implant 210. As with implant 110, like elements included in implant 210 will be identified with like reference numerals within the 200-series of numbers. Contrary to implant 110, implant 210 only includes holes 216 through upper and lower surfaces 212, 214. There are no holes included within cavity 218. Therefore, material introduced through passage 224 only extends to those upper and lower surfaces. Implant 210 is best suited for situations in which the implant is to be cemented in place between vertebral bodies. Cement injected through passage 224 extends to the interface between upper and lower surfaces 212, 214 and the vertebrae. Cavity 218 could separately be packed with bone growth promoting materials or the like, but such is up to the surgeon. It is also contemplated to provide an implant 210 without a cavity 218. Such an embodiment could include additional holes 216 on its upper and lower surfaces 212, 214.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict yet another embodiment implant 310, which is closest in design to implant 210. Implant 310 only includes holes 316 formed through its upper and lower surfaces 312, 314, with none being formed in cavity 318. However, holes 316, as well as flow channel 328 exhibit varying sizes. More specifically, holes 316 and flow channel 328 increase in size as they progress from passage 324. This increase in size is aimed at ensuring balanced fluid flow. In other words, the design is such that each of holes 316 get the same amount of fluid flow of material, thus ensuring even distribution of cement or other materials introduced through passage 324. Of course, the same concept may be employed in implants like above discussed implants 10, 110, where holes also extend into the central cavities of the implants.

FIGS. 5A-5E depict a PLIF-style (i.e., best suited for implantation from a posterior lateral aspect of a patient) implant 410 in accordance with the present invention. This is one example of how the overall implant design can vary from those anterior implants that are described above. Aside from the overall difference in shape, implant 410 includes an internally threaded passage 424 in lieu of a luer fitting or the like. Otherwise, implant 410 provides the similar functionality to that of above-discussed implant 210. Of course, any of the aforementioned variations could be applied to implant 410. For instance, cavity 418 could include holes in fluid communication with passage 424.

The use of implants according to the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 6A-6G. For ease of describing the method of use, implant 10 will be referred to. However, it is contemplated that any of the above-described implants, or variations thereof, could be utilized in such use. As shown in FIG. 6A implant 10 is first connected with an insertion tool 50. The latter is designed so as to rigidly engage implant 10, including, for instance, a female luer fitting 52 (best shown in FIGS. 6B-6D). Tool 50 also includes an internal passage 54 for allowing material to be introduced through passage 24 of implant 10 when the tool is connected thereto. Although tool 50 is depicted as including a threaded end opposite to fitting 52, many different configurations are contemplated. Essentially, tool 50 must be connected, either removably or integral with a source of material. Many different designs for such connection are contemplated, as are the sources that provide the material. For instance, it is contemplated to provide a source of material that is pressurized or capable of being pressurized to allow deployment through passage 24.

With implant 10 connected to tool 50, the latter may be manipulated to place the former between vertebral bodies, as is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. Although the vertebral bodies shown are naturally adjacent to one another, it is contemplated that implant 10 may be sized and shaped to be placed between vertebral bodies that have become adjacent by virtue of the removal of another vertebral body. Once implant 10 is placed, material may be introduced through passage 54 of tool 50 and into implant 10. The above-discussed passage 24, channels 28, 29 and holes 16, 20 of implant 10 allow for such material to ultimately extend through upper and lower surfaces 12, 14 and/or into cavity 18. FIGS. 6F and 6G, for instance, depict an implant according to the present invention which has been implanted between two artificial bodies. Cement was thereafter introduced and is shown extending through upper and lower surfaces of the implant and into the artificial bodies. This depicts a scenario where an implant like above-discussed implant 210 is initially fixed in place through the use of cement. Finally, FIG. 6E depicts removal of tool 50 from implant 10.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict 3D printed versions of implant 210 and implant 410, respectively. As shown, these versions of the implants include porous upper and lower surfaces, as can be created through the use of a 3D printing process such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,537,664 and 8,147,861; U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2006/0147332, 2007/0142914, 2008/0004709; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/441,154 and 13/618,218, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. The solid portions of the implants can also be formed through the use of similar procedures. It is to be understood that creating implants according to the present invention via a 3D printing may require that the design be modified to allow for such a process. For instance, it is difficult, if not impossible, to create a surface directly over a void when using a 3D printing process. Therefore, the various manifolds, channels and passages may be curved or radiused to permit creation via the 3D printing process. It is also contemplated to form any porous region via any other suitable process, for example, a laser etching procedure.

FIG. 8A depicts an implant 510 similar to above-discussed implant 10, while FIGS. 8B-8D depict implants 610 and 710 similar to above-discussed implant 410. As such, like reference numerals are utilized in such figures, where applicable. The implants of FIGS. 8A-D differ from the above-discussed implants in that they include lateral windows 530, 630 and 730, respectively, on each side of the implant. In each case, the lateral windows may allow for material introduced into the window to leach out and into the disc space. The windows may also act to reduce the overall stiffness of implants 510, 610 and 710 and to improve views during an imaging process (e.g., fluoroscopy). In this regard, it is contemplated that the windows may be tapered in a similar manner to the lordotic taper of the implant, where applicable. Furthermore, in the case of implant 710, lateral window 730 includes holes 732. These holes, like the others discussed above, allow for material introduced into the implant to pass therethrough.

FIGS. 9A-9B depict yet another embodiment implant 810 similar to above-discussed implant 110. Most notably, implant 810 only includes holes 820 on an interior of cavity 818. Implant 810 also includes porous upper and lower surfaces 812, 814. The partial transparent view of FIG. 9A shows the inner components (e.g., manifold 826 and channels 828, 829), while the partial transparent implantation view of FIG. 9B shows the flow of material into cavity 818 and hence the disc space. It is noted that FIG. 9B does not include reference numerals so that the fluid flow can be fully appreciated.

FIGS. 10A-10B depict an implant 910 similar to above-discussed implant 710. Implant 910 includes porous upper and lower surfaces 912, 914, as well as lateral windows 930 with holes 932. The partial transparent implantation view of FIG. 10B depicts the flow of material to upper surface 912, as well as from window 930. It is noted that FIG. 10B does not include reference numerals so that the fluid flow can be fully appreciated.

Implant 1010 of FIGS. 11A and 11B exhibits an overall design similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,349,015 (“the '015 patent”), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In addition to employing a stand-alone design similar to that of the '015 patent, implant 1010, like those discussed above, includes a passage 1024 designed to fluidly engage an insertion tool. This allows for material to be introduced into implant 1010 where it is ultimately dispersed within cavity 1018. The flow of such material is shown in the partial transparent implantation view of FIG. 11B.

FIGS. 12A-12C depict an embodiment implant 1110, which is particularly suited for creation via a 3D printing or additive manufacturing process. In particular, in addition to including many similar elements to those discussed above in connection with the foregoing embodiments, implant 1110 includes a preformed fluid transfer structure 1170 (shown alone in FIG. 12C) that includes channels and holes formed therein. This component can be created separately from the remainder of implant 1110 and the can be built upon utilizing a 3D printing process or the like (see the partial hidden view of FIG. 12B). Additionally, the implant 1110 and the preformed fluid transfer structure 1170 can be created simultaneously. Alternatively, fluid transfer structure 1170 could be formed via a similar process. Implant 1110 exhibits a remaining structure similar to that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/103,276, filed Jan. 14, 2015, and the related utility application filed on the same date as the present application, the disclosures of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. For instance, the implant can exhibit exterior surfaces that include both porous and non-porous sections.

FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment implant 1210. As shown, passages 1224 are simply formed as triangular shaped voids within the overall structure of the implant. It is noted that these passages may be in communication with holes (not shown) like those discussed above, or could simply allow for material to leach or push through the porous material making up implant 1210. In certain embodiments, this leaching may occur only at certain locations. Implant 1210 is yet another implant embodiment created utilizing a 3D printing process, but could of course be formed through the use of other known manufacturing processes.

The various embodiment implants disclosed in the present application make it readily apparent that implants according to the present invention may vary widely while still encompassing the salient features of the invention. It is to be understood that not all contemplated embodiments have been shown. It is also to be understood that the various embodiments may borrow certain features from each while still remaining within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that although it is specifically discussed herein to create implants according to the present invention via a 3D printing like process, other processes may be utilized to manufacture the implants of the present invention.

Although shown as distinct passages, manifolds, channels and holes, it is contemplated to provide different formations for allowing for material to be introduced into implants according to the present invention and to be dispersed therefrom. For instance, it is contemplated to provide chambers that are in fluid communication with porous areas of the implant so that material within the chambers is allowed to pass through the porous material. The ability to include porous material in the implants themselves may negate the need for a specific passage/manifold/channel system. Moreover, it is contemplated to include independent passage/manifold/channel systems within a single implant. This, in connection with a multi-bore insertion tool may allow for the introduction of more than one material into the implant. For instance, it may be beneficial to have one material (e.g., allograft) directed to the cavity of the implant, while another material (e.g., cement) is directed to the upper and lower surfaces. It is also contemplated to provide holes on an exterior surface of the various implants, so as to allow material to be directed from the implant. This allows for such material to be dispersed around the implant, which may be beneficial in a fusion procedure. Of course, porous areas can also be included on the exterior of the implant to allow for same.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A spinal implant comprising: an upper exterior surface including a first hole extending therefrom; a lower exterior surface including a second hole extending therefrom; a cavity formed through the upper and lower surfaces, the cavity being surrounded by a continuous inner wall extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the inner wall separating the cavity from a side exterior surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, a third hole extending from the inner wall toward the side exterior surface; and a fitting including a passage in fluid communication with the first, second and third holes via a first and second channel, the first and second channels being located between the inner wall and the side exterior surface and extending around the cavity such that the first and second channels form continuous pathways around the entire cavity.
 2. The spinal implant of claim 1, further including a plurality of first, second and third holes.
 3. The spinal implant of claim 2, further including a manifold in fluid communication with the passage, the first channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the first and third holes and the second channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the second and third holes.
 4. The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the first and second channels are curved.
 5. The spinal implant of claim 4, wherein the manifold is curved.
 6. The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the first holes, second holes, first channel and second channel increase in size as they extend further away from the passage.
 7. The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the passage, the manifold, the first channel, the second channel and the first and second holes are included in a fluid transfer structure.
 8. The spinal implant of claim 7, wherein the fluid transfer structure is formed separately from a remainder of the implant.
 9. The spinal implant of claim 1, further including a porous structure at the upper and lower surfaces.
 10. The spinal implant of claim 1, wherein the fitting is a male luer fitting.
 11. The spinal implant of claim 1, further comprising a tool engaged with the fitting.
 12. The spinal implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is designed to be implanted from an anterior aspect of a patient.
 13. The spinal implant of claim 1, wherein the side exterior surface comprises sidewalls with windows, the windows in fluid communication with the cavity.
 14. The spinal implant of claim 13, further comprising a fourth hole and a fifth hole located within the windows and in fluid communication with the passage.
 15. A spinal implant comprising: an upper exterior surface including a plurality of first holes extending therefrom; a lower exterior surface including a plurality of second holes extending therefrom; a cavity formed through the upper and lower surfaces, the cavity being surrounded by a continuous inner wall extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the inner wall separating the cavity from a side exterior surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, a third hole extending from the inner wall toward the side exterior surface; and a fitting including a passage in fluid communication with the first, second and third holes via a first and second channel, the first and second channels being located between the inner wall and the side exterior surface and extending around the cavity such that the first and second channels form continuous pathways around the entire cavity.
 16. The spinal implant of claim 15, further including a manifold in fluid communication with the passage, the first channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the first and third holes, and the second channel in fluid communication with the manifold and the second and third holes. 